Small Words, Big Results

The little things we say ? or don?t say ? can make a big difference in employee morale and productivity. Which of these do you use, or don?t use?

WE. One of the quickest ways to build a sense of teamwork is by using ?we? instead of ?I? whenever possible.

PLEASE. Saying this regularly may not seem too important, but neglecting it quickly leaves employees undervalued.

THANK YOU. Seriously, bosses don?t say this enough. It means more to the employee than you think.

GREAT WORK. Let them know when they?ve done something right ? and what that right thing was. Then watch how quickly they do it right again.

HOW CAN I HELP? Your willingness to follow your employees? lead empowers them. It lets them retain ownership of the problem while letting you know where they need assistance.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Asking employees for their views shows that you recognize their expertise and value their opinion. It may also provide helpful insights from the people most likely to be affected by your decisions.

I WAS WRONG. It?s hard for any of us to admit our mistakes ? especially when a subordinate was right and we were wrong. Willingness to do so, however, is essential to any supervisor?s credibility.